Building green does not have to involve expensive or time-consuming technologies; you can implement many effective mechanisms through clever design and doing a bit of research before building a structure. In this way, we can all become producers, not just consumers, of energy. Today, we are going to look at my top 10 picks for the best green building technologies for your home We will consider low and high-tech products, and even look at ancient technology. I will also unpack the reasons why each of them deserves a place on the list. Since I have taught courses on green building and planning in the faculties of architecture and environmental science, have been involved in numerous green building renovations and construction projects over the last 20 years, and have done my own green home renovation, I have gained some valuable knowledge and experience that I trust you will find helpful in your sustainability journey.
Key Points From This Episode:
Key Messages:
1. Geothermal energy (Using the earth’s underground temperature to heat and cool your home)
2. Passive solar design (Leveraging the sun’s free energy)
3. Drain water heat recovery systems (Using the outgoing heat of warm wastewater)
4. Heat recovery ventilation (Recovering the heat of the air that is expelled)
5. Programmable thermostat (Allows control of the energy used for indoor heating and cooling)
6. Rammed earth buildings (Use local materials, good insulation, provide thermal mass)
7. Solar energy for heating water (High or low-tech options available)
8. Solar electricity (Helps us to be producers – not only consumers – of energy)
9. Greywater recovery systems (Leveraging lightly-used domestic water for the garden)
10. Green roofs (Energy-efficient, absorbs rainwater, cooling effect, and aesthetic value)
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Manitoba Hydro (Geothermal energy)
Manitoba Hydro (Solar water heating)
US Department of Energy (Passive solar energy)
US Department of Energy (Programmable thermostats p.15)
